Effects of Mirikizumab on Histologic Resolution of Crohn's Disease in a Randomized Controlled Phase 2 Trial

Abstract

Histologic evaluation of mucosal healing in Crohn's disease (CD) is an evolving treatment target. We evaluated histologic outcomes for mirikizumab efficacy and associations with endoscopic and 1-year outcomes. Biopsies from 1 ileal and 4 colonic segments were evaluated at Weeks 0, 12, and 52 from each 170 SERENITY participants. Criteria for the Weeks 12 and 52 histologic response (a) no epithelial neutrophils or epithelial damage, or (b) >50% decrease in either Robarts Histopathology Index or active Global Histologic Disease Activity Score and remission (no mucosal neutrophils and no epithelial damage) had to be met in all biopsies. Agreement was evaluated between histologic and endoscopic endpoints. Associations between 1-year outcomes and Week 12 histologic and endoscopic response were evaluated. At Week 12, 1000 mg mirikizumab resulted in greater rates of histologic response (66% vs 27%, P<0.001) and remission (26% vs 6%, P<0.01) than placebo. Rates were numerically similar at 1-year (mirikizumab pooled response: 46-69%, remission: 13-31%). Agreement between Week 12 histologic and endoscopic response was 69% (Cohen's Kappa coefficient (κ)=0.40) and remission was 83% (κ=0.38) in all pooled arms, including placebo. At 1-year, the percentage of participants who received any dose of mirikizumab and achieved endoscopic remission differed by their Week 12 response: histologic (20%), endoscopic (25%), combined histology-endoscopy (45%), or neither (4%) (.003). In a post-hoc analysis of phase 2 data, mirikizumab induced and sustained histologic response and remission in CD over 52 weeks. Early combined histologic-endoscopic response was associated with endoscopic remission after 1 year of treatment with mirikizumab (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02891226.